Factors for Building a Sustainable Food Supply

At this moment there is a global food supply
shortage, making sustainability the new buzz word. But, what exactly is a
sustainable food supply? The ability to provide a continuous supply of crops
and livestock without harming the environment while maximizing output are the
driving factors for sustainability in agriculture. By understanding some
important factors associated with this concept, building a sustainable food
supply can be an achievable goal for people choosing to live in balance with
their environment.

Considerations for Implementing a Sustainable
Food Supply

1. Respect Harvesting Laws and the Land

There are several government agencies responsible
for regulating wildlife and public lands. They monitor the environment and
ecosystems to determine the need for restrictions. Although hunting game and
harvesting plant resources can be beneficial to maintain ecological balance,
there is an ebb and flow that must be respected. Following any laws and
regulations for subsistence harvesting will ensure a healthy ecosystem on
public lands.

2. Maintain a Balanced Ecosystem

A balanced ecosystem is something that can be
achieved on private land as well. For those who want to develop sustainable
agricultural methods, it is important to research the types of crops and
livestock to be grown. Some livestock may need to forage on certain plants, and
avoid other plants that are poisonous to them. Making sure everything can live
together will allow for a healthy ecosystem.

3. Seek Out Renewable Energy Flow

There is a concept in agroecology that one of the
key elements to sustainability is providing the right energy flow. Essentially,
you want all organisms to interact in their environment in a way that will
renew each other. Similar to having a balanced ecosystem, the idea of
agricultural energy flow centers around keeping plants and animals close enough
to sustain each other. For instance, Some crops work well together and give
each other important nutrients, while others may deplete much needed nutrients.

4. Consider Resource Intensification Techniques

Another sustainable agriculture principle
involves resource intensification. Using techniques aimed at naturally
improving the soil and preventing predation can boost food supply productivity
without harming the environment. Researchers have shown that using natural
nutrient supplementation and natural predatory barriers can develop more
resilient crops with a higher yield. In contrast, chemically enhanced soil and
pesticides can require larger amounts of land to produce the same quantities.

Overall, it is important to understand that a
sustainable food supply can be achieved by thinking in terms of developing your
own ecosystem. Building up soil with the right nutrients and understanding the
needs of your crops can help to achieve food sustainability. Keeping everything
balanced will allow for a more fruitful environment that will provide an
abundant food supply.